Position Title: Lab Tech,Research

Employee Classification: Lab Tech,Research

College/Division: Agricultural,Consumer & Env Sci Col

Department: 303500-FISHERY AND WILDLIFE SCIENCES

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): San Juan River, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  15.45

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  We are hiring a short-term Fisheries Field Technician for a project in San Juan River.

Classification Summary:
Entry level position under direct supervision. Performs a variety of routine laboratory operations in a quality assurance or research setting. These operations may be in a classroom laboratory or a field laboratory. Assists higher level technicians in setup of laboratory equipment and in recording data for experiments and procedures. Requires knowledge in using various instruments to prepare for and perform tests. Performs routine and safety program checks and preventive maintenance on instruments.

Classification Standard Duties:
Duties usually consist of making measurements, performing several routine quantitative and qualitative biological or chemical analytical tests according to standard procedures. Prepares various test specimens and growth media for use in biology, chemistry, or related labs; prepares chemical solutions for use in lab experiments; sets up equipment for use in labs; ensures proper operation of equipment, and reports operating deficiencies to supervisor; assists students with lab-experiments, as appropriate; provides guidance in learning and/or functional operation of experiments and equipment; Cleans lab facilities and/or equipment after lab exercises are complete; breaks down and stores supplies and equipment as applicable; Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods; Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:High School diploma or GED certificate.; Required Experience:Two (2) years of experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:Completion of a post-secondary degree or certificate may substitute for years of experience.; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of experimental procedures, protocols, and preparation techniques within area of specialty; Knowledge of related accreditation and certification requirements; Knowledge of the cleaning specifications of various laboratory and/or medical equipment, fixtures, utensils, and related materials.; SKILLS:Skill in providing guidance and instruction in laboratory protocols and in the safe use of laboratory equipment.; ABILITIES:Ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions; Ability to set up, calibrate, operate, and maintain standard laboratory and test equipment; Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The majority of the work will occur in the field, but the incumbents will occasionally assist with laboratory work including fish dissections and age and growth analysis.
Fisheries technician duties will vary but may include backpack and boat-mounted electrofishing, seining, trap netting, biological data collection, fish stocking, and PIT tagging.
Applicants should be able to work long, irregular hours under adverse weather conditions while carrying up to 40 lbs. The ideal candidates should be detail oriented, have a strong work ethic, work well in groups, and be comfortable camping and hiking over multiple days.
** This may fill multiple positions**

Preferred Qualifications

Previous fish or wildlife experience is preferred but not required.
Applicants must have a valid driver’s license.

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Zachary Klein, 575-646-3719, zklein@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: 

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Shift: Other Shift

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: May work evenings, weekends and holidays

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip

Physical Effort: Considerable physical activity. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of the job.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.